UNEP Consultant - Life Cycle Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and works to promote policies, strategies, and technologies that foster sustainable patterns of consumption and production, efficient use of natural resources, and safe management of chemicals. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, local authorities, and industries, to develop and implement environmental policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The UNEP Consultant - Life Cycle Analyst position is focused on applying life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies to identify environmental and economic hotspots within Saudi Arabia's waste management system. The consultant will be responsible for quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of various policy and financial interventions, benchmarking these against international best practices, and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform the strategic decision-making of the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN). This role also involves designing and delivering tailored training modules to enhance MWAN's capacity in applying life-cycle thinking and impact assessment tools. The consultant will work closely with MWAN to assess the environmental impacts of different waste management scenarios and develop a deeper understanding of the implications of their policies and plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Conducting life cycle assessments to identify environmental hotspots in Saudi Arabia's waste management systems.
• Evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of the full implementation of the Draft National Waste Management Strategy compared to business-as-usual scenarios.
• Quantifying the economic value of environmental impacts associated with various waste management interventions.
• Providing technical support to MWAN to facilitate informed decision-making using scientific and data-driven tools.
• Assessing the environmental impacts of a no-action scenario using LCA and LCC methodologies.
• Building the capacities of MWAN personnel on impact assessment methodologies and their applications in real-life planning case studies.
• Designing and delivering training programs to enhance MWAN's understanding of LCA and LCC concepts.
• Communicating complex LCA/LCC concepts to non-specialist audiences and developing training materials and case studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) is required, along with experience in building life cycle inventories and using LCA software tools such as SimaPro, GaBi, or OpenLCA. Strong knowledge of solid waste management systems, policies, and strategies, particularly within the Middle East or Saudi Arabia context, is essential. Familiarity with financial instruments in waste management, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT), as well as ISO 14040–14044 standards, is also necessary. Candidates should have experience in evaluating externalities, environmental benefits, and indirect costs associated with waste management.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Environmental Science, Waste Management, Engineering, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in environmental principles, waste management strategies, and the technical skills necessary for conducting life cycle assessments and cost analyses.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC), particularly in the context of waste management systems and policy evaluation. Experience in building life cycle inventories and using LCA software tools is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of evaluating environmental and economic impacts, designing training programs, and communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with strong technical report writing and documentation skills. Candidates should have experience synthesizing technical results into actionable policy-oriented recommendations. Fluency in Arabic is considered a strong asset, and knowledge of other UN languages is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 3 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.